Councilman alleges popular video game store is selling stolen cellphones

WASHINGTON – D.C. Councilmember Tommy Wells sparked controversy recently when he tweeted an allegation that a popular video game store was selling stolen phones by the hundreds, reports ABC7.

“GameStop stores incld Pa Av SE and H NE found to have 100s of used cell phones. All likely stolen from DC residents, #unbelievable,” Wells wrote.

A spokesperson for the store denied the allegation, telling ABC7 GameStop conducted an internal investigation and found “absolutely no truth to this.”

Wells, who is considering running for D.C. mayor, said he learned of the matter in a police briefing that included Metropolitan Police Chief Cathy Lanier.

Stolen cellphones have been an issue in the District over the past year, and last week Lanier said cellphone thefts are on the rise again after a company installed ecoATM locations that offer instant cash to folks who insert their old phones for recycling.